News Forum - US Defense Secretary visits PM Prayut in Bangkok

[Thaiger]

Yesterday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Thailand’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha in a bid to “reinforce” longstanding military ties between the two nations, which date back to 1818. Austin and PM Prayut, who is also Minister of Defence, “shared perspectives on regional security issues, and discussed opportunities to strengthen the US – Thai alliance,” according to the US Defense Department. In a press briefing, Austin said… “Now, you heard me talk in my speech about the power of partnerships, and that’s what we’re here in Thailand to reinforce with our long-standing allies. We’ve had the opportunity to discuss the […]

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[Fanta]

I wonder if the prime minister asked him for some submarine engines? Never look a gift horse in the mouth especially when it walks into your stable. 

[Poolie]

Brought to you by the US Department of Defense. Snakes.

[ThaiEyes]

If he wanted to look that particular gift horse in the mouth, he’d have to let him remove his mask first

[23RD]

The Affirmation Action Secretary will have an easier time of it in Thailand than he did in Singapore with his CCP counterpart. 

[stevenkongju]

3 minutes ago, 23RD said:

The Affirmation Action Secretary will have an easier time of it in Thailand than he did in Singapore with his CCP counterpart.

Well that seem a bit racist.

[23RD]

8 minutes ago, stevenkongju said:

Well that seem a bit racist.

That sounds a bit Democrat. 

[HolyCowCm]

Glad to read the USA doing something rather than nothing to counteract the CCP commie entrapment movements.

[EdwardV]

6 hours ago, Highlandman said:

So what did the US defense secretary come to Thailand for?

People sometimes forget with all the talk of Thai neutrality, they and the US are still part of the SE Asia Treaty: 

A treaty signed September 8, 1954, whereby each party recognizes that aggression by means of armed attack in the treaty area against any of the Parties would endanger its own peace and safety and each will in that event act to meet the common danger in accordance with its constitutional processes.

PARTIES: United States , Australia, France, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, and the United Kingdom

U.S. Collective Defense Arrangements (state.gov)

In time of trouble, Thailand has friends in high places. 

 

[astro]

France, UK?

Bit outdated, the treaty.

[EdwardV]

20 minutes ago, astro said:

France, UK?

Bit outdated, the treaty.

It was, and now it's not:

The French defence minister Sebastien Lecornu says France will bolster its presence in the South Pacific while being committed to a multilateral approach that respects everyone's sovereignty.

France will bolster its presence in South Pacific says Lecornu | RNZ News

 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made the Indo-Pacific region central to his view for a 'Global Britain'. The region covers some of the world's most important sea lanes, stretching across India, China, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Australia - not to mention the disputed waters of the South China Sea. A "tilt" towards the Indo-Pacific was at the heart of the Integrated Review – billed as the most radical reassessment of Britain's place in the world since the end of the Cold War.

Why's Britain interested in the Indo-Pacific? (forces.net)

France has always considered the South Pacific as part of it's national interest. Mostly because they have three territories there. It's part of the reason they were so PO after losing the sub deal with Australia. Weapon sales often tie to national interests. As for Britain, well that's more of a stretch, but they don't look at it that way. It's why they sailed their brand new aircraft carrier battle group to Japan last year.   

 

[HiuMak]

10 hours ago, Highlandman said:

So what did the US defense secretary come to Thailand for? To affirm his allegience to the Thai religion of mask wearing?

There will be hope for those F35s.... 

[drkenchao]

probably he is trying to exert some influence against friendly or neutralist stance towards china or russia?